Nanopore Electroporation Device for DNA Transfection into Various Spreading and Nonadherent Cell Types

Cell transfection plays a crucial role in the study of gene function and regulation of gene expression. The existing gene transfection methods, such as chemical carriers, viruses, electroporation, and microinjection, suffer from limitations, including cell type dependence, reliance on cellular endocytosis, low efficiency, safety concerns, and technical complexity. Nanopore-coupled electroporation offers a promising approach to localizing electric fields for efficient cell membrane perforation and nucleic acid transfection. However, the applicability of nanopore electroporation technology across different cell types lacks a systematic investigation. In this study, we explore the potential of nanopore electroporation for transfecting DNA plasmids into various cell types. Our nanopore electroporation device employs track-etched membranes as the core component. We find that nanopore electroporation efficiently transfects adherent cells, including well-spreading epithelial-like HeLa cells, cardiomyocyte-like HL-1 cells, and dendritic-cell-like DC2.4 cells. However, it shows a limited transfection efficiency in weakly spreading macrophages (RAW264.7) and suspension cells (Jurkat). To gain insights into these observations, we develop a COMSOL model, revealing that nanopore electroporation better localizes the electric field on adherent and well-spreading cells, promoting favorable membrane poration conditions. Our findings provide valuable references for advancing nanopore electroporation as a high-throughput, safe, and efficient gene transfection platform.

Automated summary

Cell transfection is crucial in gene function study and gene expression regulation. Nanopore-coupled electroporation is a promising technique for efficient cell membrane perforation and nucleic acid transfection. This study investigates the potential of nanopore electroporation for transfecting DNA plasmids into different cell types, and identifies its high efficiency in adherent cells but limited efficiency in weakly spreading cells. A COMSOL model is developed to gain insights into the underlying mechanism. These findings provide valuable references for advancing nanopore electroporation as a high-throughput, safe, and efficient gene transfection platform.